The Steve Allen Show
Quick Summary
The Steve Allen Show was an American television program hosted by Steve Allen, a pioneer in television entertainment. Allen is perhaps best known for creating and hosting what became The Tonight Show, which established the standard for TV talk shows.1
The Steve Allen Show first aired on CBS from 1950 to 1952. Allen later hosted a local late-night show in New York, which was broadcast nationally by NBC in 1954 and renamed Tonight! (later The Tonight Show). Allen is credited with introducing many talk show staples, including the opening monologue, comedy sketches, and casual banter with guests. He also hosted a Sunday night version of The Steve Allen Show on NBC from 1956 to 1961, which featured a regular cast of comedians. Allen's other notable work includes the PBS series Meeting of Minds.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Lenny Bruce…appeared on the nationally televised Steve Allen Show, where he was introduced as “the most-shocking comedian of our time.” Just a few months before, Time magazine had called him a sick comic, though he described himself as impossible to label.
Read More…appeared on the nationally televised Steve Allen Show, where he was introduced as “the most-shocking comedian of our time.” Just a few months before, Time magazine had called him a sick comic, though he described himself as impossible to label.
Read More
Hound DogElvis Presley…following month, Presley appeared on The Steve Allen Show, singing the song to a bored-looking Basset Hound. For this performance, Presley wore a tuxedo, which was meant to deter him from the kind of dancing that had aroused some viewers’ ire after his appearance on Milton Berle’s show.
Read More…following month, Presley appeared on The Steve Allen Show, singing the song to a bored-looking Basset Hound. For this performance, Presley wore a tuxedo, which was meant to deter him from the kind of dancing that had aroused some viewers’ ire after his appearance on Milton Berle’s show.
Read More
